Ginger Syrup and Ginger Candy

Mix ginger syrup with club soda to make real ginger ale without synthetic flavoring.

In a saucepan, combine:

• 1 cup peeled and thinly sliced ginger
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 2 cups water

1. Bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
2. Strain and set the liquid aside to cool.
3. When cool, mix with club soda and serve over ice. (The syrup can also be added to hot tea with honey.)
4. Dip the strained ginger slices in white granulated sugar and place on a rack to dry.
5. Candied ginger may be chopped and eaten as candy or used to garnish drinks.
6. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 weeks.

Rye and Ginger

Rye and ginger was my dad Arthur's favorite drink. He'd use good rye whiskey and Wilson's ginger ale, which you can't buy any more. Purchased ginger ale now usually contains synthetic flavouring, so try making homemade ginger syrup for a cocktail or nonalcoholic soda drink.

1. Mix 1-3/4 cups (425 mL) rye whisky and 1-1/4 cups homemade ginger syrup.
2. Pour in a 750 mL glass bottle.
3. Gently shake before serving 2 oz of this mixture over ice.
4. Top with club soda and stir.
5. Garnish with candied ginger.

Makes 12 drinks.